Turkey signs gas pipeline deal with Nakhchivan

Turkey and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of neighboring Azerbaijan signed a memorandum of understanding over the weekend for the construction of a natural gas pipeline between Nakhchivan and the eastern Anatolian province of Igdır. In Nakhchivan on Saturday, the signing ceremony brought together Energy Minister Taner Yildiz, State Oil Company of the Azeri Republic (SOCAR) head Rovnag Abdullayev and Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Company (BOTAS) officials. Speaking to reporters, Taner underlined the importance of energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Stating that that Azerbaijan is one of the region's major natural gas suppliers, Yıldız added, "We want to increase our trade volume for the benefit of both countries."